hello ALL - any advice would be helpful
I was at macys a couple of days ago and carried a few items into the changing room... while i retuned the remaining stuff i put a couple of items
in my shopping bag while still thinking whether i should pay for them.
Eventually i came out of the changing room to return the other stuff and
was stopped by a security personnel who took me to the back of the store
and asked me to sign papers for shoplifted items. (128$)
I tried to explain my case that i didn’t leave the store with the items
but they wouldn’t listen so i kept quiet since i know i had done a mistake to begin with. the civil demand was signed and they also called the cops as per their policy .the cops were more helpful and understood my story but they
Couldn’t help me out much except not putting me behind bars .. just did the formal paperwork and asked me to appear in court and since this is first offence and no criminal history the court would leave me with a warning and community service .. but no conviction .. is that true .. ??
my questions are
1) since i didnt leave the store will the judge be lenient with me
2) do i need a lawyer or just plead guilty of the intention and ask for pardon
3) is it going to spoil my employment history .. in other words i dont want a criminal history or conviction of nay kind
I also told Macys that if they want i would like to settle the distpute by paying for merchandise but havent heard back from them. Please help as I am realy worried as what the judge would say
Please help me and point me in the right direction... i know what i have done is very stupid and shameful but since sometimes everybody does make mistakes is there any way to not be convicted of anything and never repeat this kind of thing again
Appreciate response from those people who have gone through this thing with Macys